China ECA's - the use of low sulphur fuel - Update

Recent media reports indicate that Hebei MSA and Tianjin MSA have punished a foreign ship for use of fuel exceeding the 0.5% sulphur limit. The vessel was detained at Tianjin Port with sample results later showing a sulphur content level of 0.866% m/m.

This is the first such instance since the second, more stringent, stage of the ECA came into force in January 2017 requiring the use of fuel with a sulphur content of no more that 0.5% during berthing at one of the 11 core ports of Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Suzhou, Nantong, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Tangshan or Huangye.

Reports indicate that all 11 core ports have implemented the policy and will be more vigilant in inspecting ships.

The examination policy will extend to other Chinese Ports from January 1st 2018 and to all Chinese navigable waters from 1 January 2019.